DISCESA AGL'INFERI D'UN GIOVANE AMANTE

One of the more pleasant surprises of 2008 so far is this new album from Il Bacio Della Medusa. Although this Italian band are relatively new on the scene; their first album was released in 2004, they sound very much a product of the seventies, both in their use of instrumentation and the very natural sounding production. This six piece band as well as the usual array of instruments we expect most Progressive rock bands to have augment their sound with flute, violin and sax, the flute being particularly prominent.

Sung in their native Italian of which I don't speak a word, it's still apparent that Discesa agl'inferi d'un giovane amante is a concept album, the tracks flowing seamlessly into one another. The vocals are sung very passionately and musically it's a very diverse sound. Classical influences collide with more bombastic heavy passages and more restrained acoustic moments. There's much influence here from seventies symphonic prog, not least their fellow countrymen Premiata Forneria Marconi and I'm sure they've also got a few Jethro Tull cd's in their collection.

As the album is best digested as a whole and the seamless nature of the piece it's difficult to pick out favourite tracks, but I found myself particularly enjoying the dynamic instrumental interplay which occurs at regular intervals throughout, each musician given the opportunity to make their mark. I especially enjoyed some of the blistering guitar work by Simone Brozzetti and the Keyboard sound - very seventies with strong use of organ and some excellent piano. Daniele Rinchi supplies some beautiful and moving Violin playing too.

I'm certainly glad to have discovered this excellent Italian band and the album is currently receiving well deserved heavy playing on my cd player and almost certain to make my top ten of 2008. One to lay back, turn out the lights and get lost in.